Why Modi is pleased with Vajpayee's attack
'The anti-Modi campaign was on and we were sure of success,' said a former BJP minister in Gujarat. 'Now, the issue has got diverted. Vajpayee has made our task difficult.'

National Security: External Challenges
'We should build up a 'peace lobby' in Pakistan... The best way to marginalise a repressive regime is by opening the doors of escape,' feels V Balachandran.

June 16, 2004

The blunder of the Pandit
Nehru's sentimental attachment to the Mountbattens deeply vitiated the Kashmir issue. It was certainly the most important factor for the failure to find a solution in the first years of the conflict.

Needed: An effective National Security Council
This 'can be done only if it is vested with full powers of intelligence oversight, coordination, arbitration, implementation and performance review to ensure accountability,' says V Balachandran.

National Security: The Domestic Challenge V Balachandran, one of the most respected intelligence officials in the country, assesses the national security challenges confronting the Manmohan Singh government in a three-part series exclusive to rediff.com

'The stench of death was overpowering'
'Bhindranwale's face was swollen and blood was oozing from the wounds in his bullet-riddled body.' A former Punjab police officer recounts the scene on June 6, 1984.

Pass the Flame, Unite the World
From sportspersons to physically challenged individuals to achievers and role models -- people from all walks of life will spread the message when the Olympic Flame comes to Delhi on June 10.

June 08, 2004

Kargil: Ex-air marshal returns army fire
Rubbishing the Indian Army's claims that delayed air strikes led to high casualties in Kargil, the man who was in charge of air operations during the 1999 conflict says the blame lies with the army's poor leadership.

June 07, 2004

The Rs 200 crore wedding!
The venues for the occasion? No less than the awesome Palace of Versailles, where the French 'Sun King' Louis XIV held court in the 17th century, and the 17th-century Vaux le Vicomte, acknowledged as 'the finest chateau and garden' in France.

Kargil's First Hero
The Kargil War gave India many young heroes who died fighting for a country they loved and swore to protect. Five years after that war, we salute them.

June 04, 2004

A Muse Passes Into The Ages
Only about 40 odd people turned up at the Sewree cemetry to pay homage to one of the finest poets India has known.

Operation Bluestar, 20 Years On
20 years ago almost to the day an event occurred in Punjab that shook the Republic of India to its very foundations. rediff.com takes a fresh look at the events of June 1984 and the circumstances leading up to them.

June 02, 2004

From cleaning drains to junior engineer
Hard word, dedication, persistence are all essential for success. Some people get it easy, others have to struggle for it. Santosh Ghavre comes in the second category.

An officer and a gentleman
One of the Indian Foreign Service's stars retired last week at the end of a 37-year illustrious career.

'A humble Indian has achieved the highest office'
'People say he lacks the 'political' shrewdness that is necessary for someone to success in this field. These people should remember the Vedic hymn -- Kriyah sidhi satve bhavati mahatannopakaraneh.'

India, the lamb state
'Until India fully absorbs the fundamentals of international relations, it will continue to get evil for good,' says Brahma Chellaney.

Sunny Days Are Here Again
For more fortunate Indians, summer can be fun. Drinking multicoloured sherbets, gobbling up immensely
tempting barf golas, wearing ultracool cottons and jumping into rivers and streams...